Kidnappers in Lebanon in 2013

According to intelligence by security service officials in Lebanon, at the beginning of 2013 there were at least 37 active kidnappers who were targeting members of wealthy families. All of the kidnappers were connected to known crime families and organizations.

One member of a kidnapping group told a reporter from GlobalPost that the kidnappers target businessmen that are wealthy, but not too rich where they would be able to hire private security guards. The target would be monitored for two weeks before the act took place. While in captivity, the hostage would be well fed and treated as a “guest”.

The family of a kidnapping hostage reportedly paid a ransom of $25,000 in February after their 12 year old son was kidnapped.